Offense Is Primary, and It Is Also Conditional[1]

(May 14, 1938)

Comrade Lin Biao:

I have read it, and it is very good. However, there are some inappropriate parts, which I have already revised. Please review them again. The phrase "unconditional offense" is not appropriate; offense is also conditional, but offense is primary, fundamental, and central.

Postpone publication for the time being, and publish it when the time for departure is decided.

Mao Zedong

Night of May 14

[1] This is a letter written by Mao Zedong to Lin Biao after reviewing the transcript of Lin Biao's lecture "The Educational Policy of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University," delivered on May 2, 1938, to all faculty, staff, and students of the university, where Lin Biao served as president.